Ben Foden blow boosts Mike Brown's England chances

You have to grab the opportunity when it comes along. If I play against Fiji, I must make sure I show what I can do

Mike Brown

The Harlequins star, 27, is hoping to be thrown into battle against Fiji in England’s opening autumn Test at Twickenham on Saturday.

Northampton ace Foden is out for up to three months after suffering an ankle injury against Bath in September. And now Brown is chomping at the bit to prove to head coach Stuart Lancaster he deserves to be picked on merit.

He said: “You have to grab the opportunity when it comes along. If I play against Fiji, I must make sure I show what I can do.

“Of course, you feel sorry for other guys when they get injured. I know how it is to be in the team and then miss out through injury.

“I played in the first Test in South Africa last summer but then damaged a thumb while tackling and missed the rest. So I know how cruel it can be.”

Brown’s rival for the full-back position during the autumn Test series will be Saracens’ Alex Goode.